LCDR Rashid Njai serves as a Health scientist for the Office of Noncommunicable Diseases, Injury and Environmental Health.
He is responsible for supporting the Senior Advisor for Science of ONDIEH on cross-cutting science activities and opportunities in the area of Noncommunicable diseases (chronic diseases, birth defects and developmental disabilities, injury, and environmental health).
LCDR Njai received his PhD and MPH in Health Behavior and Health Education from the University of Michigan and his BS in Biology from the Pennsylvania State University. He joined CDC in 2008 as an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer assigned to the Community Health Equity Branch in the former Division of Adult and Community Health.
LCDR Njai is a recognized leader championing work focused on the epidemiology of mental and physical health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities as well as other vulnerable populations, as they relate specifically to the social Determinants of Health, behavioral resiliency and wellness. He recently received a Commendation Medal from the US Public Health Service in recognition for his exceptional leadership, subject matter expertise and technical guidance in improving public health surveillance and research on social determinants of health from 2009 through 2015.
LCDR Njai credits a commitment to spirituality, family, good mentorship, and opportunities to collaborate with dedicated scholar activists for both his professional and personal growth.